LAPINIG, Northern Samar -- An all-weather road that was officially opened Saturday connected two of the most remote and depressed towns in Eastern Visayas and helped “introduced” Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro to the townsfolk.

The opening of the 5.22-kilometer road, which connects Lapinig to Jipapad town in Eastern Samar, was hailed by officials as an instrument for progress that could spur business and trading in these areas, and help solve the insurgency problem affecting the two towns.

And while doing so, they kept on reminding their audience, composed of barangay people, government workers and elementary students that the project was made possible through the effort of the Defense Secretary, the standard-bearer of the administration Lakas-Kampi-CMD party in next year’s presidential elections.

The road project, while funded by the President Social Fund, was constructed by the 53rd Engineer Brigade of the Philippine Army under Teodoro’s department, a reason why his name had to be mentioned, said Presidential Assistant for Eastern Visayas Cynthia Nierras, who led the turnover rites.

“There is no (politics) here. He is the Defense Secretary and the Philippine Army is under him. This is the reason why Secretary Teodoro’s name was mentioned,” Nierras said, referring to the remarks she delivered during the turnover rites held at the plaza of Barangay Imelda, located some 15 kilometers from Lapinig proper.

The P20-million road project was started on Aug. 11, 2005, but for some reason was only completed last November 5.

Lapinig Mayor Romualdo Menzon and Northern Samar Representative Paul Daza also mentioned Teodoro several times in their respective speeches.

Daza, however, was also quick to dismiss speculation that the project’s “formal opening” was an avenue to promote the presidential bid of Teodoro.

While the name of Teodoro was casually mentioned by government officials present during the turnover rites, neither his face or name was in any of the tarpaulins announcing the project’s completion that sprouted in the venue.

“No, no, no. Let us be fair here and give credit to the secretary. The project was constructed by his department and under his term. This was not designed to advance or promote his candidacy,” Daza said.

Nierras said that she was positive that the opening of the Jipapad-Lapinig road project would usher in development to both towns.

“With the road opening, transportation of goods coming from the two towns will now be easier. Students could also avail of this road project. Medical services will also be easier and accessible,” said Nierras.

Mayors Menzon of this town and Joji Montallana of Jipapad, expressed their gratitude to President Macapagal Arroyo and to the military for the construction of the road project.

“We are positive that with the opening of this road connecting our two towns, progress could not be far behind,” Menzon said.

The towns of Lapinig and Jipapad are among the most depressed municipalities in the region. The two have an estimated annual income of only P20 million each.

Military officials have identified the two towns as areas where the communist insurgency has remain active. On May 17, 2008, alleged members of the New People’s Army attacked government troops working on the project.

Major Gen. Arthur Tabaquero, commanding general of the 8th Infantry Division, said the construction of the road between the two towns could help in their campaign against the NPA.